Iphone and Head Unit

M

McHaggis69

Member
OK so first newbie question(s) on my Z4 -

Can I get album art/spotify to appear on the head unit when connected to my phone?

The car is a 2010 3.0 30i M Sport sDrive.
Apologies if I've used incorrect terminology but the head unit is the 'pro' navigation system. Its a nice widescreen unit. Very swish.
In the centre arm rest is a usb and aux cable socket. I have tried every usb cable I own and all of them allow my phone (iphone 8) to charge, but the screen shows 'not supported' for music playback.

I bought a combined aux and usb cable (not BMW) and now I can play music (obviously the aux cable does that) and the phone charges, but nothing on screen other than its showing the auxiliary is connected, the usb is not connected (although my phone is charging).

Q1 - Will a different combined aux/usb cable allow me to show album art etc (I'm happy to buy a genuine BMW cable, but not if it just replicates what the cable I have does)?
Q2 - can I (easily) replace the head unit for a replacement android system (I've done this before in an SLK) - but I assume I then lose ALL the BMW specific menus etc like the service status of the car etc?


thanks all.

g.
 
You need the extended USB/ Bluetooth option on the car...the VIN will show whether you have it..

Without it you can’t get artwork from your iPhone to the screen..

Replacing the head unit and easy are not associated in the case of E89 and often you lose more than you gain..

What audio system fo you have? 6/11/14 speakers?

If you don’t have the extended support there are people here who can help get that support...it’s not impossible but requires deep technical knowledge..
 
Well the good news is that you have the necessary support for music support on iPhone ...

Also you have the 11 speaker mid range audio system...

Have you downloaded the latest version of the connectivity software from the bmw web site ?

Often with these it’s a question of trial and error...

Are you using the OE iPhone cable into the USB port?

Have you tried another phone ?

Have you tried a usb stick with some tracks as well?
 
Might depend on the version of iPhone you have. I think support ran out after iPhone 6.
 
If you want to throw money at it..... http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?printable=Y&productid=524&cat=16&page=2
 
Stevo1987 said:
Might depend on the version of iPhone you have. I think support ran out after iPhone 6.
Click to expand...

It’s more the latest version of both the car’s software that’s important ..at least with iPhones...

I use iPhone 5se onwards with no issues...
 
Also have you , once plugged in, open the music app and started to play a track from there?
 
Pbondar said:
Also have you , once plugged in, open the music app and started to play a track from there?
Click to expand...
That is what I meant. Support from BMW i.e. the s/w for our systems.
 
Thanks for all responses so far.

I've done a bit more sniffing around and found one of these which can add Wireless Apple Carplay to the existing system-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WIRELESS-APPLE-CARPLAY-WIRED-ANDROID-AUTO-BMW-Z4-SERIES-E89-2009-CIC/283782690795?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144

This would probably provide everything I need so the question is, does anyone on the forum know of any decent fitters in or around Edinburgh who would be trusted to fit one of these at a decent price for me?

I've done whole head unit replacements before in an SLK myself so not so scared to have a go myself, but if i can get a pro to do it I'd feel happier.
 
Just added carplay to my 2011 E89 with original iDrive and it works fantastically. I did try the kit from xcarlink but their support is less than useless. In the end I contacted the guys at Joyeauto and they have just signed a fitter who is based in Manchester and covers the UK as a whole. The kit I have is https://www.joyeauto.com/product/bmw-z4-e89-2009-2012my-cic-wifi-wireless-apple-carplay-retrofit-with-reverse-camera/ and fitted it was £795. Have nothing but praise for Billy, the fitter, and because he did the install then it is covered by a 2 year warranty.
 

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easthampstead said:
Just added carplay to my 2011 E89 with original iDrive and it works fantastically. I did try the kit from xcarlink but their support is less than useless. In the end I contacted the guys at Joyeauto and they have just signed a fitter who is based in Manchester and covers the UK as a whole. The kit I have is https://www.joyeauto.com/product/bmw-z4-e89-2009-2012my-cic-wifi-wireless-apple-carplay-retrofit-with-reverse-camera/ and fitted it was £795. Have nothing but praise for Billy, the fitter, and because he did the install then it is covered by a 2 year warranty.
Click to expand...

Hello...so what does this box with CarPlay do for you that idrive didn’t do?

Can you clarify .. can you still plug an iPhone in via USB port in central armrest for music ?
 
Hey - this is the wireless version so I do not need to use the USB plug unless the Wi-Fi should fail from the unit. The unit uses the Aux port in the armrest and so, to use carplay, you must first choose the Aux port and then switch to the carplay unit. The original USB port remains clear for whatever use you need it..

The box from Joyeauto is dual functioning, Android and Apple. You can use the iDrive control to switch through the apps. The thing I noticed most was the fast start up of carplay, it shocked me that music was playing straight away, before the car started even. Given I always use Waze for maps and podcasts for music then having those integrated in to the iDrive system makes sense for me. If all you use is the radio and BMW maps then you have no need for the carplay.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks...always good to have different people try different things and get their views... :thumbsup:

As you say...I used an old iPhone as an iPod plugged into the USB port and use the idrive bmw maps so I’ll stick.. :driving:
 
I always thought I didin't need Carplay and would be quite happy with connecting my iPhone to the USB / AUX port via a bluetooth streamer. That was until I saw mate's Mercedes after he had the CarPlay installed and I was blown away. The extra functionality it brings is more than worth it (if you make use of it of course). You can have WhatsApp messages 'read' to you and you can send messages, use whichever map app you like and a whole host of other useful apps too such as Coyote that I use here on my phone that tells me of speed / traffic lights / phone and seatbelt cameras. So I am about to order one of these boxes for China for a really really good price!
 
Silverstar said:
I always thought I didin't need Carplay and would be quite happy with connecting my iPhone to the USB / AUX port via a bluetooth streamer. That was until I saw mate's Mercedes after he had the CarPlay installed and I was blown away. The extra functionality it brings is more than worth it (if you make use of it of course). You can have WhatsApp messages 'read' to you and you can send messages, use whichever map app you like and a whole host of other useful apps too such as Coyote that I use here on my phone that tells me of speed / traffic lights / phone and seatbelt cameras. So I am about to order one of these boxes for China for a really really good price!
Click to expand...
Hi Silverstar, can I ask which box you are thinking of please?
 
Yoghurt said:
Silverstar said:
I always thought I didin't need Carplay and would be quite happy with connecting my iPhone to the USB / AUX port via a bluetooth streamer. That was until I saw mate's Mercedes after he had the CarPlay installed and I was blown away. The extra functionality it brings is more than worth it (if you make use of it of course). You can have WhatsApp messages 'read' to you and you can send messages, use whichever map app you like and a whole host of other useful apps too such as Coyote that I use here on my phone that tells me of speed / traffic lights / phone and seatbelt cameras. So I am about to order one of these boxes for China for a really really good price!
Click to expand...
Hi Silverstar, can I ask which box you are thinking of please?
Click to expand...

I have ordered it via one of my supplier's contacts in China. I should receive it some time this week but it will take me a little longer to install as I still need to buy an amp to add to my audio upgrade and thought it might be best to install it all together as I am thinking to splice the T Harness that comes with the CarPlay box(rather than splicing into the factory wiring) so I can get speaker level output to provide a signal to the amp
 
Thanks Silverstar, guessing it was this one:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4001125108011.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.4b144a93uIyKr9&browser_id=525773186e99460eba91be2762165341&aff_trace_key=83805fdebbe14db48d4c5f5523258bf0-1589754604669-04936-NUUJNoAU&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=jnofhrxbw0caqldl175c74ee685d03cd7ae6dc40b8&gclid=&_imgsrc_=ae01.alicdn.com%2Fkf%2FHf7ecec38c0f443529e8cdf34610c2460i.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg
 
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